EXPERIMENT No.

6 & 7

Transistor as (i) an amplifier and (ii) as a switch

PRE LAB TASK

Objectives

1. To understand the operation of transistor as an amplifier.

2. To understand the operation of transistor as a switch.
3. To verify the switching speed limitation of a transistor switch.

Introduction

Theory

There are many types of transistor amplifiers but the most common amplifier is common
emitter amplifier. All amplifiers operate using AC signal inputs. The AC signal input alternates
between a positive value and a negative value and thus it is used to preset the amplifier circuit
to operate between these two maximum values. This can be achieved by using a process known
as transistor biasing.

Biasing is very important in amplifier design as it establishes the correct operating point of the
transistor amplifier ready to receive signals, thereby reducing any distortion to the output
signal.

A static or DC load line can be drawn onto the output characteristics curves of the transistor to
show all the possible operating points of the transistor from which the quiescent operating point
or Q-point of the amplifier can be found.

The aim of any small signal amplifier is to amplify all of the input signal with the minimum
amount of distortion possible to the output signal, in other words, the output signal must be an
exact reproduction of the amplified version of an input signal.

To get an output signal with minimum distortion the operating quiescent point needs to be
correctly biased. The DC operating point can be properly chosen by selecting an appropriate
biasing. The best possible alternative is to biased the transistor at the center of the Q-point
thereby producing a Class A type amplifier operation, i.e., VCE =1/2 Vcc. Here we will discuss
the most common type common emitter amplifier.

Common Emitter Amplifier

The single stage common emitter amplifier circuit is shown in Fig.1. The circuit uses the most
commonly used voltage divider biasing. This type of biasing arrangement uses two resistors as
a potential divider network across the supply with their center point supplying the required
base bias voltage to the transistor. Voltage divider biasing is commonly used in the design of
bipolar transistor amplifier circuits.

Fig.1. Common emitter amplifier.

This method of biasing the transistor greatly reduces the effects of varying Beta, ( ) by
holding the base bias at a constant steady voltage level allowing for best stability. The quiescent
base voltage VB is determined by the potential divider network formed by the two
resistors, R1, R2 and the power supply voltage VCC as shown in Fig.2 with the current flowing
through both resistors.
 Fig.2. Voltage divider circuit for common emitter amplifier.

Then the total resistance RT will be equal to R1 + R2 giving the current as i = VCC/RT. The
voltage level generated at the junction of resistors R1 and R2 holds the Base voltage (VB)
constant at a value below the supply voltage.

Then the potential divider network used in the common emitter amplifier circuit divides the
input signal in proportion to the resistance. This bias reference voltage can be easily calculated
using the simple voltage divider formula below:

V (1)

The same supply voltage, VCC also determines the maximum Collector current, IC when the
transistor is switched fully ON (saturation), VCE = 0. The base current IB for the transistor is
found from the collector current, IC and the DC current gain Beta, of the transistor can be
found by using the following formula.

I /I (2)

Beta is sometimes referred to as hFE which is the transistors forward current gain in the
common emitter configuration. Beta has no units as it is a fixed ratio of the two currents, IC
and IB so a small change in the base current will cause a large change in the collector current.

Transistors of the same type and part number will have large variations in their Beta value for
example, the BC107 NPN Bipolar transistor has a DC current gain Beta value of between 110
and 450 (data sheet value) this is because Beta is a characteristic of their construction and not
their operation.

As the base/emitter junction is forward-biased, the emitter voltage, VE will be one junction
voltage drop different to the base voltage. If the voltage across the emitter resistor is known
then the emitter current, IE can be easily calculated using Ohms Law. The collector
current, IC can be approximated, since it is almost the same value as the Emitter current.

I I (3)

Transistor as a Switch

Transistor switches can be useful as replacement for mechanical switches. Even, though the
transistor switch is not perfect, it still has advantages over the mechanical switch. A solid state
switch eliminates the problem of moving elements and mechanical contacts thereby providing
reliability and greater operating speed.

LAB SESSION

Lab task

Equipment and Material

Experimental Procedure

1. Transistor as an amplifier

2. Transistor as a switch
 Fig.3. Circuit for verifying the operation of transistor as a switch.

Observations

Table 1 Transistor as an amplifier (Experiment # 7)

IB IC IE VCE VCC R1 R2 RE

Table 2 Measurements of transistor as a switch (Experiment # 6)

Supply Voltage VB VC VE
0V
5V
 LAB REPORT
Discussion of Results

Q1: Choose the nearest R2 resistor value for your circuit. What value is this, and what gain
do you expect it to provide? Discuss.

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Q2: The transistor used in the circuit for switching has the maximum Ic rating of 200mA.
With this limitation, what are some applications you can suggest for a BJT switch?

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Conclusion /Summary

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